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With the opening of DIFC’s new centre in Cork this September, there is a lot for you to know about the best way to get to Cork and what accommodation options are available for international students.

So, to help make your transition to study in DIFC Cork this year, we have created a simple guide for you on how to make your travel and accommodation arrangements for your big move to Cork city.

Getting to Cork

Obviously this is going to involve a flight from your home country to an airport in Ireland.

There are two main international airports where you can fly into: Cork and Dublin

Cork Airport

Cork airport is located 6 km from the city centre. A taxi journey, with little traffic, takes approximately 20 minutes and costs approximately €20. Everything you need to know about Cork airport, including transport connections, is available on the Cork Airport website. It has international connections from London, Amsterdam and Paris).

Dublin Airport

Many international flights arrive into Dublin Airport. The simplest way for you to transfer to Cork City is to catch the Aircoach Express or GoBe Bus from the bus depot outside the Dublin Airport terminal. There are signs to the Coach Terminal. Fares cost €20 per adult and the trip takes about 3.5 hours arriving at Cork’s bus terminal on Patrick’s Quay.

Accommodation in Cork

When it comes to accommodation options in Cork city, there are three main options: homestay, self-catering student apartments or privately rented accommodation.

DIFC has a partnership with EazyCity in Cork to help you to find suitable accommodation – either homestay or self-catering and their experienced team will assist you directly.

Eazy City Brand Explainer from Dog Day Media on Vimeo.

Homestay

Homestay is where you will live with a local host. Host families generally live in the suburbs of Cork, so you will need to take public transport to and from your host accommodation. Your host family will tell you which service is the most suitable for you.

Students who are under 18 years must stay in homestay accommodation, as this is part of the child protection laws here in Ireland.

The following fees apply to homestays:

  • Booking fee: €100 (includes pick up from bus station or Aircoach stop)
  • Airport collection (Cork airport): €25
  • Single Room: €185 per week
  • Twin Room (sharing with 1 other student of same gender): €165 per week
  • Security Deposit: €200 per person (refunded at end of stay within 14 working days via bank transfer or credit card by our Finance Dept)
  • Late Arrival Fee (8pm – 10pm): €20

The benefit of arranging a homestay is that you’ll have that added support network at home – as well as some ‘local knowledge’ for getting out and exploring Cork. Plus, there are also often other students living in the house, so you’ll have an instant network of friends as well.

Self Catering Student Apartments

EazyCity manage a range of properties around Cork providing independent accommodation for international students. They are all to a high standard but very reasonable in terms of costs.

All properties are equipped with all the necessary facilities, including:

  • Full equipped kitchen
  • Living room (TV provided)
  • WiFi
  • Bathrooms
  • Washing machine and driving facilities

The benefit of living in self-catering accommodation is the independence it teaches you. Furthermore, you will develop a broader network of international contacts as you’ll be living with students of from all different background studying in different universities/colleges throughout Cork.

In terms of costs, the following fees apply to self-catering:

  • Booking fee: €100 (includes pick up from bus station or Aircoach stop)
  • Airport collection (Cork airport): €25
  • Single Room: €155 per week (includes all utilities such as electricity, gas, WiFi and refuse)
  • Twin Room (sharing with 1 other student of same gender): €120 per week
  • Security Deposit: €200 per person (refunded at end of stay within 14 working days via bank transfer or credit card by our Finance Dept)
  • Late Arrival Fee (8pm – 10pm): €20
  • Check-Out Fee: €25 payable at the end of your stay

Privately Rented Accommodation

Many students like to Sourcing privately rented accommodation in Cork as an international student can be a difficult process. August and September sees a massive influx of both Irish and international students into Cork, so there is a high demand for student-friendly rental accommodation.

You can do some research before you travel to Ireland – however, from our experience very few legitimate landlords will sign a lease with a student who is not in the country. Therefore, we recommend students to arrange short-term accommodation, through an EazyCity homestay or short-term student apartment and this will allow you time to look for accommodation.

You can do your homework before you arrive – but it is best to wait til you arrive to book something. The best websites are for searching private accommodation are:

For private rental, prices can vary broadly and advertised properties may be a room in a bigger property or the full property itself. It is also standard practice for landlords to ask for a deposit plus the first month’s rent in advance. The deposit will be returned to you once you leave the property in good condition.

Another top tip is for students who are travelling with a parent/guardian. It is a good idea to get them to come along to any inspections, as this will reassure the landlord that finances are available to pay your rent.

How to Book Your Accommodation

Once you have paid your tuition fees to DIFC, you will get an introduction email to EazyCity so that you can contact them directly with your requirements and the team at EazyCity will assist you to find suitable accommodation.

So, that’s it! The low-down on how on make our way to Cork and sort out a place to live!

If there was only one piece of advice to take away from this article, it would be to book your accommodation as early as possible.

If you are a DIFC student joining in September and you need advice regarding your accommodation options, feel free to contact your DIFC representative.

 

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